Enterprise vs. Home Series SimulCharge Adapters: Which is Right for You?

LAVA builds adapters for both Enterprise and Home applications and sometimes it may be difficult to tell which adapter to use, especially as some devices in both lines have the same port configuration. This article will give an overview of the similarities and differences of these adapters so you can better understand which is the right one to buy.

Enterprise Series

LAVA’s Enterprise adapters are divided into three series: the n series, the u series and the e series. They all feature SimulCharge, which provides simultaneous charging and access to data, and comes in a variety of port configurations, with options for multiple USB-A ports (up to five, with the eSynC-vc5UE), Ethernet and Power over Ethernet. Some are available with voltage converters, allowing you to use them up to 50 ft (15 m) away from the outlet by using higher DC voltages.

These adapters come with circuitry that ensures they can run efficiently for years at a time, providing reliable service throughout. The e series adapters come with Network Recovery & Battery Modulation (RBM) technology which uses the Lava Tablet Manager (LTM) app on the mobile device to provide both wired network recovery in case of a dropout and protect against overcharging and battery bloating.

The u series has Continuously Active Battery Modulation (CABM), which is a plug-and-play version of the battery protection technology. These adapters are perfect for retroactive installations where a hardware-only battery modulation solution is easier to implement. 

The n and u series feature Docking Detect technology which ensures the “greeting” protocols between the SimulCharge adapter and mobile device are executed correctly and consistently every time they are connected.  (The e series adapters’ hardware provides similar functionality without the need of a separate Docking Detect feature.)

Home Series

In contrast, the Home Series adapters are smaller and can fit in your pocket. They come with various port configurations, with the top-end Charge-Plus LAN HUB, featuring two USB-A ports and an Ethernet port.

The Home series does not have PoE or voltage converter options and with the exception of the Charge-Check (which essentially is CABM in a casing), they do not feature battery modulation. They also don’t have Docking Detect and, as a result, may need to be occasionally unplugged and plugged back in to reconnect with the mobile device.

However, these adapters do feature an on-the-go (OTG) mode, which means when it is not plugged into an external power source, the adapter can draw power from the mobile device’s battery. So you can use it even if you’re not near an electrical socket. They are ideal for use at home or when you’re out and about. You can use them to watch movies from a thumb drive, circumvent the spotty Wi-Fi in your home with a wired network connection, or hook up a mouse and keyboard to your tablet and write the next great novel in your favourite café.

LAVA’s Enterprise adapters don’t feature OTG but this is a precautionary measure. If a power outage were to hit a business after-hours and the adapter switched to OTG mode, the mobile device’s battery could get drained the customer would be forced to unlock it when it powers back up. This might be an issue if the password or PIN isn’t readily available.

Ultimately, it all comes down to your requirements and constraints to pick which adapter is right for you. Both Enterprise and Home series adapters have their uses in the home and at work. Each line comes with multiple port configurations and options for a wired network connection.

However, if the adapter will be used in a permanent or semi-permanent kiosk setup, such as in the retail and healthcare industries, it’s desirable to use an Enterprise adapter as it ensures a more reliable connection to the mobile device. If you plan to operate the mobile device 24/7,  you should choose from LAVA’s e or u series lines, which provide battery modulation.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more portable adapter that you can also use without being plugged into the wall, you should seek out one of our Home series adapters, which feature OTG. They are designed to be small and portable to be easily relocated whether it’s for home, travel, or on commute.